Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

This image is in the public domain and may be used freely. If publishing in print, electronically, or on a website, please cite the item using the citation button.

File Name

index.cpd

▼

Item Description

Title

Introduction

Format (IMT)

image/jpeg

File Name

yearb_1961_007.jpg

Transcript

FILIBUSTERS
SLOW
LEGISLATIVE
ACTION
A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE visits the campus and
conducts a public hearing. Chancellor A. D.
Bruce and subcommittee members W. H. Pieratt,
H. G. Wells and S. F. Collins look over a scale
model of the physical plant.
HOUSE PASSES BILL
April 21, 1961: The H/R passes HB 11
by voice vote at 10:46 a.m. with only scattered opposition. The bill goes to the Senate, where it has little or no chance of coming out of committee. Concentration is continued upon SB 2 and breaking the filibuster.
FILIBUSTERS CONTINUE
April 24, 1961: Filibustering is resumed
in the Senate, but adjournment comes at
6:30 p.m.
April 25, 1961: The filibuster continues
in the Senate until 11:30 p.m. Senate bills
cannot be debated tomorrow or the next
day, but we will attempt to keep the Senate
in session Friday, when SB 2 will again be
pending business.
April 27, 1961: We are successful in
bringing the Senate back into session tomorrow, by a vote of 14-13.
FILIBUSTER BROKEN
April 28, 1961: Finally, the filibuster is
broken at 10:50 p.m., and SB 2 is engrossed. The key vote was at 5:30 p.m.,
when Senator Jarrard Secrest of Temple
agreed to break an 11-11 tie, making possible a 12-10 vote to "move the previous
question," and thereby limit debate. The
opposition agreed to engrossment if we
would not attempt final passage before adjournment tonight. As we did not have the
votes for final passage, this was accepted.
It was 11 days ago that the filibuster began.
May 8, 1961: Senator Baker attempts
immediate setting of HB 11 by the State
Affairs Committee of the Senate, but is
overruled by the chairman, Senator Ward-
low Lane of Center. We are examining all
possibilities. Time until final adjournment
is running very short.
May 9, 1961: A difficult situation is
arising in the H/R, as the members divide
further and further on controversial bills.
Probing continues for an opening in the
Senate.
SENATE PASSES BILL
May 12, 1961: Senator Baker finds three
opposing senators gone as the session begins at 10:30 a.m. Senator Louis Crump of
San Saba agrees to vote with us and we
win, 18-8, the right to bring SB 2 up at
once for third reading and final passage.
The really critical vote, however, is a 14-12
decision whereby Senator Baker is able
again to move the previous question and
forestall another filibuster. With the previous question in effect, SB 2 is passed in
just six minutes, at 10:41 a.m.
Senator Baker goes personally to the
floor of the House, announces passage and
receives a great ovation.
HOUSE COMMITTEE HOLDS BILL
May 15, 1961: It appears more and more
that there will be a delay in having SB
2 voted out favorably by the State Affairs
Committee of the H/R, which is necessary
to get the measure to the floor for passage.
It is decided to accept SB 2 exactly as is,
because of the extreme danger in any further delays as adjournment rapidly approaches.
May 17, 1961: Still no action in the
State Affairs Committee of the House, al-
flUc^NTS E*PRESS their ffdingS through si9ns theV intend to carry to Austin with the hope that
leg,slators will recogn.ze the sincerity of the University's request.